# US 8,787,518 B2 · Tetrahedron beam computed tomography with multiple detectors and/or source arrays > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,787,518 B2 - Document ID: US8787518B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/194,215 - Filed: 2011-07-29 - Published: 2012-06-28 - Granted: 2014-07-22 - Earliest claimed: 2006-04-14 - Assignees: William Beaumont Hospital - Applicants: Tiezhi Zhang; Xiaochao Xu; Joshua Kim; Di Yan; Alvaro Martinez - Inventors: Tiezhi Zhang; Xiaochao Xu; Joshua Kim; Di Yan; Alvaro Martinez - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8787518B2 ## CPC - G21K 1/025: {using multiple collimators, e.g. Bucky screens; other devices for eliminating undesired or dispersed radiation} - A61B 6/4028: {resulting in acquisition of views from substantially different positions, e.g. EBCT} - A61B 6/06: Diaphragms - G21K 1/02: using diaphragms, collimators - A61B 6/4007: {characterised by using a plurality of source units} - H01J 2235/068: Multi-cathode assembly - H01J 2235/062: Cold cathodes - A61B 6/4441: {the rigid structure being a C-arm or U-arm} - A61B 6/032: {Transmission computed tomography [CT]} - A61B 6/025: {Tomosynthesis} - A61B 6/466: {adapted to display 3D data} - A61B 6/4488: {Means for cooling (A61B6/045 takes precedence)} - H05G 1/70: Circuit arrangements for X-ray tubes with more than one anode; Circuit arrangements for apparatus comprising more than one X ray tube {or more than one cathode (H05G1/58 takes precedence)} - A61B 6/027: {characterised by the use of a particular data acquisition trajectory, e.g. helical or spiral} - A61B 6/4266: {characterised by using a plurality of detector units (A61B6/4014 takes precedence)} - A61B 6/4064: {specially adapted for producing a particular type of beam} - G21K: HANDLING OF PARTICLES OR IONISING RADIATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; IRRADIATION DEVICES; GAMMA RAY OR X-RAY MICROSCOPES - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - H01J: ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS (spark-gaps H01T; electric arc lamps H05B31/00; particle accelerators H05H) - H05G: X-RAY TECHNIQUE (investigating or analysing materials by the use of X-rays G01N23/00; apparatus for X-ray photography G03B42/02; X-ray tubes H01J35/00; TV systems having X-ray input H04N5/321) ## Abstract A tetrahedron beam computed tomography system including an x ray source array that sequentially emits a plurality of x ray beams at different positions along a scanning direction and a collimator that intercepts the plurality of x-ray beams so that a plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate from the collimator towards an object. The system includes a first detector receiving a first set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the first detector generating a first imaging signal for each of the received first set of fan-shaped x-ray beams and a second detector receiving a second set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the second detector generating a second imaging signal for each of the received second set of fan-shaped x-ray beams. Each detector and source pair form a tetrahedral volume. In other embodiments, the system may also have more than two detectors arrays and/or more than one source array. Each pair of source array and detector array forms a tetrahedral volume. Using multiple detector arrays and source arrays can increase field of view, reduce the length of detector and source arrays so that the imaging system is more compact and mobile. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A tetrahedron beam computed tomography system comprising: an x-ray source array that sequentially emits a plurality of x-ray beams at different positions along a scanning direction; a collimator that intercepts said plurality of x-ray beams so that a plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate from said collimator towards an object; a first detector receiving a first set of fan-shaped x-ray beams after they pass through said object, said first detector generating a first imaging signal for each of said received first set of fan-shaped x-ray beams; a second detector receiving a second set of fan-shaped x-ray beams after they pass through said object, said second detector generating a second imaging signal for each of said received second set of fan-shaped x-ray beams; a computer connected to said first detector and said second detector so as to receive 1) said first imaging signals for each of said first set of received fan-shaped x-ray beams and 2) said second imaging signals for each of said second set of received fan-shaped x-ray beams, wherein said x-ray source array, said first detector and said second detector rotate about a rotation axis so as to rotate about said object so that multiple imaging signals are reconstructed by said computer to generate a three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography image therefrom; and a display connected to said computer and displaying said three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography image. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said x-ray source array comprises a linear array of kV x-ray sources. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said collimator comprising a plurality of slots, wherein each of said plurality of said slots corresponds to one of said different positions. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The tetrahedron beam cone beam computed tomography system of claim 3, wherein said collimator is stationary with respect to said x-ray source array. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam cone beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said x-ray source array comprise a plurality of discrete sources of x-rays or focus spots. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said first detector is a two-dimensional array of individual detector elements. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said first detector is a one-dimensional array of individual detector elements. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said first detector is straight and said second detector is straight. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said first detector is curved and said second detector is curved. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said x-ray source array is linear, wherein a longitudinal axis of the x-ray source array is parallel to said rotation axis. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 10, wherein said first detector is offset from a central plane that bisects said x-ray source array and is perpendicular to said rotation axis. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 11, wherein said second detector is offset from said central plane. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 12, wherein said first detector is straight and said second detector is straight. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 12, wherein said first detector is curved and said second detector is curved. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, further comprising a third detector receiving a third set of fan-shaped x-ray beams after they pass through said object, said third detector generating a third imaging signal for each of said received third set of fan-shaped x-ray beams, wherein said computer is connected to said third detector so as to receive said third imaging signals for each of said third set of received fan-shaped x-ray beams, wherein said third detector rotates about said rotation axis so as to rotate about said object so that multiple imaging signals are reconstructed by said computer to generate said three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography image therefrom. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 12, further comprising a third detector receiving a third set of fan-shaped x-ray beams after they pass through said object, said third detector generating a third imaging signal for each of said received third set of fan-shaped x-ray beams, wherein said computer is connected to said third detector so as to receive said third imaging signals for each of said third set of received fan-shaped x-ray beams, wherein said third detector rotates about said rotation axis so as to rotate about said object so that multiple imaging signals are reconstructed by said computer to generate said three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography image therefrom. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 16, wherein said third detector is intersected by said central plane. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 17, wherein said third detector lies between said first detector and said second detector. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said x-ray source array, said first detector and said second detector are mounted on a rotation gantry. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 19, wherein said rotation gantry rotates a full, partial rotation or multiple rotation during a scan of said object by said x-ray source array. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said x-ray source array performs an axial scan of said object. ### Claim 22 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said x-ray source array performs a helical scan of said object. ### Claim 23 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said computer reconstructs said first and second imaging signals using a CT reconstruction algorithm. ### Claim 24 (depends on 1) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 1, wherein said computer reconstructs said first and second imaging signals using a digital tomosynthesis algorithm. ### Claim 25 A method of forming an image of an object, the method comprising: having an x-ray source array, first detector and second detector rotate about an axis of rotation relative to an object; sequentially emitting a plurality of x ray beams from said x-ray source array at different positions along a scanning direction; intercepting said plurality of x-ray beams so that a plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate towards said object; having a first set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through said object received by said first detector, said first detector generating a first imaging signal for each of said received first set of fan-shaped x-ray beams; having a second set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through said object received by said second detector, said second detector generating a second imaging signal for each of said received second set of fan-shaped x-ray beams; receiving 1) said first imaging signals for each of said first set of received fan-shaped x-ray beams and 2) said second imaging signals for each of said second set of received fan-shaped x-ray beams, wherein rotation of said x-ray source array, said first detector and said second detector about said axis of rotation results in multiple imaging signals being reconstructed to generate a three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography image therefrom; and displaying said three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography image. ### Claim 26 (depends on 25) The method of claim 25, wherein said x-ray source array comprises a linear array of kV x-ray sources. ### Claim 27 (depends on 25) The method of claim 25, wherein said first detector is straight and said second detector is straight. ### Claim 28 (depends on 25) The method of claim 25, wherein said first detector is curved and said second detector is curved. ### Claim 29 (depends on 25) The method of claim 25, wherein said x-ray source array is linear, wherein a longitudinal axis of the x-ray source array is parallel to said rotation axis. ### Claim 30 (depends on 29) The method of claim 29, wherein said first detector is offset from a central plane that bisects said x-ray source array and is perpendicular to said rotation axis. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The method of claim 30, wherein said second detector is offset from said central plane. ### Claim 32 (depends on 31) The method of claim 31, wherein said first detector is straight and said second detector is straight. ### Claim 33 (depends on 31) The method of claim 31, wherein said first detector is curved and said second detector is curved. ### Claim 34 (depends on 25) The method of claim 25, further comprising having a third set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through said object received by a third detector, said third detector generating a third imaging signal for each of said received third set of fan-shaped x-ray beams, wherein said third imaging signal is reconstructed to generate said three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography image therefrom. ### Claim 35 (depends on 25) The method of claim 25, wherein said x-ray source array, said first detector and said second detector are mounted on a rotation gantry. ### Claim 36 (depends on 35) The method of claim 35, wherein said rotation gantry rotates a full, partial rotation or multiple rotation during a scan of said object by said x-ray source array. ### Claim 37 (depends on 25) The method of claim 25, wherein said x-ray source array performs an axial scan of said object, wherein said object is stationary. ### Claim 38 (depends on 25) The method of claim 25, wherein said x-ray source array performs a helical scan of said object, wherein said helical scan is in part due to said object moving during said scan. ### Claim 39 (depends on 25) The method of claim 25, wherein said reconstructing of said multiple imaging signals is performed by using a CT reconstruction algorithm. ### Claim 40 (depends on 25) The method of claim 25, wherein said reconstructing of said multiple imaging signals is performed by using a digital tomosynthesis algorithm. ### Claim 41 A tetrahedron beam computed tomography system comprising: a first x-ray source array that sequentially emits a first plurality of x-ray beams at different positions along a first scanning direction; a first collimator that intercepts said first plurality of x-ray beams so that fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate from said first collimator towards an object; a second x-ray source array that sequentially emits a second plurality of x-ray beams at different positions along a second scanning direction; a second collimator that intercepts said second plurality of x-ray beams so that fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate from said second collimator towards said object; a first detector receiving one or both of 1) a first plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said first x-ray source array and 2) a first plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said second x-ray source array after they pass through said object, said first detector generating a first imaging signal for each of said received one or both of said first plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said first x-ray source array and said first plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said second x-ray source array; a second detector receiving one or both of 1) a second plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said first x-ray source array and 2) a second plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said second x-ray source array after they pass through said object, said second detector generating a second imaging signal for each of said received one or both of said second plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said first x-ray source array and said second plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said second x-ray source array; a computer connected to said first detector and said second detector so as to receive 1) said first imaging signals for each of said first plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams received by said first detector and 2) said second imaging signals for each of said second plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams received by said second detector, wherein said first x-ray source array, said second x-ray source array, said first detector and said second detector rotate about a rotation axis so as to rotate about said object so that multiple imaging signals are reconstructed by said computer to generate a three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography image therefrom; and a display connected to said computer and displaying said three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography image. ### Claim 42 (depends on 41) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 41, wherein said x-ray source array comprises a linear array of kV x-ray sources. ### Claim 43 (depends on 41) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 41, wherein said first x-ray source array is linear that extends along a longitudinal direction and said second x-ray source array is linear and is parallel to said first x-ray source array. ### Claim 44 (depends on 43) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 43, wherein said first detector is linear and said second detector is linear and is parallel to said first detector and is perpendicular to said longitudinal direction. ### Claim 45 (depends on 44) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 44, wherein said longitudinal direction is parallel to said axis of rotation. ### Claim 46 (depends on 44) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 44, wherein said longitudinal direction is perpendicular said axis of rotation. ### Claim 47 (depends on 41) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 41, wherein said first detector is offset from a central plane that bisects said first x-ray source array and is perpendicular to said rotation axis. ### Claim 48 (depends on 47) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 47, wherein said second detector is offset from said central plane. ### Claim 49 (depends on 41) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 41, wherein said first x-ray source array, said second x-ray source array, said first detector and said second detector are mounted on a rotation gantry. ### Claim 50 (depends on 49) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 49, wherein said rotation gantry rotates a full, partial rotation or multiple rotation during a scan of said object by said first x-ray source array and said second x-ray source array. ### Claim 51 (depends on 41) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 41, wherein said first x-ray source array and second x-ray source array perform an axial scan of said object. ### Claim 52 (depends on 41) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 41, wherein said first x-ray source array and said second x-ray source array perform a helical scan of said object. ### Claim 53 (depends on 41) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 41, wherein said computer reconstructs said first and second imaging signals using a CT reconstruction algorithm. ### Claim 54 (depends on 41) The tetrahedron beam computed tomography system of claim 41, wherein said computer reconstructs said first and second imaging signals using a digital tomosynthesis algorithm. ### Claim 55 A method of forming an image of an object, the method comprising: having a first x-ray source array, a second x-ray source array, a first detector and a second detector rotate about an axis of rotation relative to an object; sequentially emitting a first plurality of x-ray beams from said first x-ray source array at different positions along a first scanning direction; intercepting said first plurality of x-ray beams so that fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate towards said object; sequentially emitting a second plurality of x-ray beams from said second x-ray source array at different positions along a second scanning direction; intercepting said second plurality of x-ray beams so that fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate towards said object; having one or both of 1) a first plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said first x-ray source array and after they pass through said object and 2) a first plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said second x-ray source array and after they pass through said object that are received by said first detector, wherein said first detector generates a first imaging signal for each of said received first plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said first x-ray source array and said received first plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said second x-ray source array; having one or both of 1) a second plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said first x-ray source and after they pass through said object and 2) a second plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said second x-ray source and after they pass through said object that are received by said second detector, wherein said second detector generates a second imaging signal for each of said received second plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said first x-ray source and said received second plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said second x-ray source; receiving 1) said first imaging signals for each of said first plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said first x-ray source and for each of said first plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said second x-ray source and 2) said second imaging signals for each of said second plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said first x-ray source and for each of said second plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams from said second x-ray source, wherein rotation of said first x-ray source array, said second x-ray source array, said first detector and said second detector about said axis of rotation results in multiple imaging signals being reconstructed to generate a three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography image therefrom; and displaying said three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography image. ### Claim 56 (depends on 55) The method of claim 55, wherein said first x-ray source array comprises a first kV x-ray source array and said second x-ray source array comprises a second kV x-ray source array. ### Claim 57 (depends on 55) The method of claim 55, wherein said first x-ray source array is linear that extends along a longitudinal direction and said second x-ray source array is linear and is parallel to said first x-ray source. ### Claim 58 (depends on 57) The method of claim 57, wherein said first detector is linear and said second detector is linear and is parallel to said first detector and is perpendicular to said longitudinal direction. ### Claim 59 (depends on 58) The method of claim 58, wherein said longitudinal direction is parallel to said axis of rotation. ### Claim 60 (depends on 58) The method of claim 58, wherein said longitudinal direction is perpendicular said axis of rotation. ### Claim 61 (depends on 55) The method of claim 55, wherein said first detector is offset from a central plane that bisects said first x-ray source and is perpendicular to said rotation axis. ### Claim 62 (depends on 61) The method of claim 61, wherein said second detector is offset from said central plane that bisects said second x-ray source and is perpendicular to said rotation axis. ### Claim 63 (depends on 61) The method of claim 61, wherein said second detector is offset from said central plane. ### Claim 64 (depends on 55) The method of claim 55, wherein said first x-ray source array, said second x-ray source array, said first detector and said second detector are mounted on a rotation gantry. ### Claim 65 (depends on 64) The method of claim 64, wherein said rotation gantry rotates a full, partial rotation or multiple rotation during a scan of said object by said first x-ray source array and said second x-ray source array. ### Claim 66 (depends on 55) The method of claim 55, wherein said first x-ray source array and said second x-ray source array perform an axial scan of said object, wherein said object is stationary. ### Claim 67 (depends on 55) The method of claim 55, wherein said first x-ray source array and said second x-ray source array perform a helical scan of said object, wherein said helical scan is in part due to said object moving during said scan. ### Claim 68 (depends on 55) The method of claim 55, wherein said reconstructing of said multiple imaging signals is performed by using a CT reconstruction algorithm. ### Claim 69 (depends on 55) The method of claim 55, wherein said reconstructing of said multiple imaging signals is performed by using a digital tomosynthesis algorithm.